Ontogeny of the American alligator (<i>Alligator mississippiensis</i>) prenatal head: A morphometric approach

Beeching, Simon C.; Elsey, Ruth M.; Rehorek, Susan J.

doi:10.1002/jmor.21472

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Simple linear growth patterns are observed when considering only individual measurements (Deeming & Ferguson, 1990; Peterka et al, 2010). A recent study showed a phasic morphometric modular development in alligator embryo growth, with a middle phase of reduced nasal growth encompassing stages 16–20 breaking an otherwise linear head growth pattern (Beeching et al, 2022). This phase corresponds roughly to the growth and the development of the secondary palate (Ferguson, 1985), the NLD and the facial bones (this study).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ontogeny of the nasolacrimal apparatus and nasal sensory systems of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Rehorek

Elsey

Smith

2022

Journal of Morphology

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The nasolacrimal apparatus (NLA) is a feature common to many sauropsid amniotes.It consists of an orbital Harderian gland (HG)whose secretions drain into the nasal cavity, in the vicinity of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), an accessory olfactory organ derived from the olfactory epithelium, and a connecting nasolacrimal duct (NLD).Though not all features are present in all posthatchling sauropsids (i.e., no VNO in crocodilomorphs), it is not clear if this system either never existed or failed to develop during the embryonic stages. The purpose of this study is to histologically describe the ontogeny of the NLA and the main olfactory organ in Alligator mississippiensis. Alligator specimens, from embryonic stage 9 to hatchling, were serially histologically sectioned, stained, photographed, and segmented into different tissues using Abobe Photoshop and then reconstructed using Amira for 3D analysis and quantitative nasal epithelial distribution. Though there was no evidence of a VNO, the rest of the NLA was present. The development of the NLA could be subdivided into four phases: (1) inception of NLD, (2) establishment of orbitonasal connections of NLD, (3) bone development, and (4) nasal cavity growth. Glands mature during this last phase and the nasal region rapidly grows, rotates, and is displaced anteriorly. The gradual proportional increase in nonolfactory epithelial | © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%